Leaders of the Brics countries on Monday issued a statement identifying Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad among terror groups that threaten the security of the region. Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, who make up the Brics bloc, condemned terrorism “in all its forms” and expressed concern over the activities of several militant groups operating in the region.
“We deplore all terrorist attacks worldwide, including attacks in Brics countries, and condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations wherever committed and by whomsoever,” read the statement released at the plenary session of the summit in China’s Xiamen.
Besides Lashkar and Jaish, they blamed the Taliban, the Islamic State group, Al-Qaeda and its affiliates, including the Haqqani Network, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Hizb-ut-Tahrir, for the violence reported in Brics territories.
In a separate statement, the leaders also condemned the nuclear tests conducted by North Korea.
Narendra Modi calls for unity
At the Summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said cooperation between members of the group was important for peace and development.
“We are in mission mode to eradicate poverty to ensure health, sanitation, skills, food security, gender equality, energy and education [for all],” Modi said in his speech, adding that strong partnership among Brics countries and innovation was the “instrument for progress” in the bloc. “Brics has developed a robust framework for cooperation and contributes to stability and growth in a world drifting towards uncertainty.”
At the session, Modi said that Brics countries should work closely with the 120-member International Solar Alliance to promote solar energy in the world. The New Development Bank, earlier known as the Brics Development Bank, had started disbursing loans to mobilise sources of infrastructure and sustainable development in the five countries, Modi told the gathering.
On Sunday, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Brics countries to end their differences by seeking common ground and address each other’s concerns through strategic talks to improve cooperation.
“In terms of Brics cooperation, decisions are made through consultation, not by one country,” Xi said at the opening ceremony of the Brics Summit in Xiamen. “We respect each other’s model of development, accommodate each other’s concern and work to enhance strategic communication and mutual trust.”
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